Learn how to play piano: Lesson #34 Hanon

[camilocuesta]

"exercises"

[NeomassRasmus]

Also I don't like how this guys spells exercises.

[NeomassRasmus]

I'm not going to say I know any better then anyone else, I only know what I have learned. Hanon was one persons idea of a good way to build up skills for the piano. I play many different instruments and there are many different ways to learn any of them. I think what is important is that you look into and use as many different exercises and techniques to become a well rounded musician. The number one rule and really the only one is, Don't play through PAIN!

[lansing789]

How do you get your fingers to play fast but evenly clear?

[jaminLA]

too much talking ... piano teaching doesn't need so much talking ... the guy first talk about what he is gonna talk about later? give me a break ... 90% of music instructions on youtube is more the ego of the video poster ... music is not about talking ... it is about playing something, okay?

[josephstruyk]

Thank you, Andrew, for creating one of the best youtube channels I can think of.  Very informative, personalized, and honest. You're an excellent human being! Thank you for sharing yourself and your craft!

[perinp]

my 2 cents will be - forget about Hanon, play master pieces, isolate difficulties in it, this is the most complex task, to understand where the difficulty really resides

Then invente exercises that focus only on this difficulty, and even make it more obvious and difficult

Try YOUR solutions, thoughts, (be very imaginative) on those exercises till you play very fast without any effort - - this is not boring at all since your imagination is playing, not your fingers

[marizpiano]

Nice job!

Just wanted to share with you a cool piano gadget recently featured in Gizmag

Google “gizmag pianomaestro”

[metteholm75]

Speed is bound to come, once the movements have flow and are both precise and free of strain.

[metteholm75]

I use Hanon daily with a focus on integrating relaxed movements in the technique. I could never dream of playing it too fast. Speed doesn´t matter here. Movement does. It works!

[hazellina07]

i got hanon book for 5 bucks too and i know where u can get both hanon and czerny for free.I tried hanon first, im a beginner and im starting to understand how he is trying to create this so called hand independance and then hand together but both hands using different fingers..god am i making sense ? :) but anyways try it guys its pretty interesting.

[stereoandroid]

I. Hate. Hanon. Seriously.

[paopaomanalansan]

I think the exercises in the book are too mechanical.. Is Hanon more helpful when it comes to baroque music (e.g. Bach) than romantic (Chopin, Liszt)?

[maxwellpassion]

I hate the word keyboardist. It's disgusting.

[aguiargerson]

Hi,

I became your fan, watch your video lessons and habeen learning a lot. I've also taught my niece from your videos which have been very helpful. You are a great piano player and teacher. God bless you - Brazil-

[sinancans]

beyer or hanon iz better?

[mrjew]

I could not watch this. His voice is just so femine and annoying!

[Doumbeck]

Dude: You bend your head forward when you play the keyboard.. this puts extra weight on your wrists.. If you have tendanitis, whatch YOUR POSTURE.. i've been through this, trust me.. keep extra weight off hands and wrists.. it might help :) ALSO: try Hannon in 10ths.. makes it more fun to listen too.. AND try Hannon in octaves in each hand! slow! ALL KEYS of course.. stop when you start going NUTS

[Misteribel]

PS: great to hear those beautiful first bars of Debussy's Arabesque, I love that one!

I was wondering about using Hanon to practice tone-length. I often play the same exercise staccato, or very legato, or (as indicated) non-portato.

Also, a teacher once told me to practice each Hanon exercise in every key. Is that something (still) taught on musical schools? Isn't Czerny better suited for that? The fingering often doesn't fit another key, but I'd love to hear your opinion on this.

[Misteribel]

A little remark: instead of naming what this isn't useful for (Chopin, Debussy), it could have added value to mention music it is helpful to. I.e., it helps to get well balanced notes in Mozart's or Haydn's passages, or even-finger-weight for Bach's.

A tip to Hanon-hesitators: grab Hanon when you've trouble with a certain piece and find the matching exercises This way, you immediately notice the improvement of your play, which makes it more fun.

[LiiChinHo]

I wonder if anyone can trill with their 4th and 5th fingers.. super fast!

[kkhanon]

oh like my name hanon ha ha ha XD XD

[CaroleBerlin]

Interesting and do happen to you know the Hanon  that has Handel's Passacaglia?

Thanks

[yourmumsucksdick]

I'm glad you don't charge for your lessons.

[ROBERTXCV2]

y do u talk so much about nothing

[aiuhepdos]

i think my book might be from 1800's heheeh :P

[snaredice]

that book is awesome. I have it =p

[jerdoe]

Thank you for the post,.I love this work,.and hope to gain the results promised to me,.which is the key to all mechanical difficulty. my pinky on my left hand will match the dexterity and control the index of my right.

[alexandra082391]

oh God, right now that book costs like 20 dollars...

[imalumpaheffaup]

i downloaded and printed the entire book off of the internet. i don't remember the link offhand. but trust me, its there. its so much crap i need a binder for it.

[snaredice]

i bought it for 5 bucks with 63 excercises :D

[ShredTim]

It is in the public domain now.

You can download it fully legally if you find it.

[fernasobri1920]

you suck reading! hahahahha

[Luxex7]

Great tutorial, what's a good method to learn how to play different rhythms wit both hands??

[Papadepapo]

¿how combed?

[josupuff]

genial necesito aprenderme el 18 y el 19

[GolfWMe]

pianooooooooooo

[qwertyasdyaln]

I think everybody should have to play all the scales and arpeggios everyday but, i think hanon is a bit over the top my hands are hurting after every scale. To complete Hanon everyday you are a true virtuoso.

[goobleglob]

if one MUST do hanon however, do it in all keys and very slowly, not for 'finger strength' or 'physical technique' but for familiarity and coordination with both hands and all tonalities of the piano.

[goobleglob]

Hanon is completely unnecessary. its directions are misleading and dangerous. proof of how it's completely unnecessary: bach, beethoven, mozart, scarlatti, chopin, liszt, alkan, saint-saens, and their students NEVER used hanon, yet they were all great keyboardists. plus, the fingers cannot be equally trained or strengthened, sadly because there are no muscles in the fingers! he didn't know anything about hand anatomy, and the way he tells you to practice is very dangerous (high fingers!!??)

[Lypur]

I agree completely, hanon is dangerous, Czerny "school of velocity" is a much better aproach to developing a good technqiue, that is if you're not satisfied with the conventional method of learning and practising scales.

I did this lesson mainly because I was getting asked so many questions about hanon. One thing is I don't want to tell someone, "YOU CAN"T DO THIS" because, honestly if they want to do it, they can go for it. But i'm not a big fan of hanon myself.

[goobleglob]

I like Czerny, but not as technique. Amongst the literally THOUSANDS of ugly, diluted things he wrote are actually beautiful little character pieces. And in my personal opinion these should be given as pieces of music, not as technical exercises. I guess my 'beef' with technical exercises is that life is so short, and why not spend time at the piano learning real music and how to play it?

[twooffour]

"plus, the fingers cannot be equally trained or strengthened, sadly because there are no muscles in the fingers!"

I fail to see the point in this observation.

Obviously, there are muscles that and nerves that move the fingers, and they can be trained.

[goobleglob]

Yes of course there are muscles that move the fingers, but they're not IN the fingers themselves. They're in the forearm, and they don't need to be trained as they're already strong enough. Two fingers share a tendon, so it's impossible that they be "trained" to be "equal" to the rest of the fingers that don't. Strength should come from the arms and shoulders, and articulation from careful manipulation of the hand and fingers from the first knuckle in a very relaxed way.

[dastreetgangsta]

Yea, but all anatomy and physiology aside - isn't it still so that, if you first have significantly more problems playing a trill between 4th and 5th finger then between 2nd and 3rd or 1st and 3rd (making them "weaker" in the practical sense), this problem can be solved by... engaging these "weaker" fingers in trill exercises?

And when you get results after that, can't you say that you have "trained up" your "weaker fingers"?

[goobleglob]

No of course not. You don't need "training" if you use proper technique, such as forearm rotation.

[twooffour]

And yet, I am able to perform a 4-5 trill without any forearm rotation, with fingers only (at least that's what it seems like to me).

It also feels pretty comfortable, and at this point, more natural than forearm rotation. No stress or fatigue as well.

That's not to say I have a great endurance with that, but in terms of progress, there was a time I couldn't even think about playing a 4-5 trill, so therefore my stance/question about "training".

[twooffour]

[Sorry, twooffour here - I accidentally used my test account there...]

Or doesn't it work this way?

"careful manipulation of the hand and fingers from the first knuckle in a very relaxed way."

Sorry, I don't quite understand this.

[goobleglob]

Your fingers have three knuckles right? Use the joint of the first knuckle which connects it to the hand, is what I meant. People try to use the fingers themselves too much, and cause themselves discomfort. Use your arms to guide you, not your fingers to "walk" the keyboard.

[twooffour]

Sorry, I don't quite get that bit with the knuckle.

I thuoght using the joint between hand and finger would mean... using the *finger* for the motion, rather than wrist or forearm?

Probably I'm just not getting it...

[goobleglob]

Well, the fingers are there to guide you. Otherwise your playing would be very floppy and sloppy :)

So, guide with your fingers but play with your arm. Use your joints as leverage points; that's what they are in nature. Don't put strain on your tendons.

[twooffour]

Ok.

I'd still be interested in your opinion on playing trills with fingers (without forearm rotation) :)

You said that the "fingers" (by which I understand the entire mechanism of moving your fingers, no matter where the muscles are) are not to be, or can't be trained to meet such challenges as it's not "proper technique".

Yet, it seems to work (at least from my limited observations).

So just to put things in perspective...

[goobleglob]

Well, in my opinion "proper technique" is what best works for the individual and helps him achieve results efficiently. Forearm rotation just happens to be what most people around me do, and even my former teacher of several years ago. He used this method because it put the least strain on the muscles and tendons, and it seemed to be the easiest for the students to pick up and apply in an appropriate way. However, if you can play trills using just your fingers and you're happy with your results,

[goobleglob]

Cont.

then this is 'proper' technique in your situation. In that case, I'm happy that it's working for you because it can only be used towards achieving beautiful music :)

[twooffour]

Okay then.

Believe it or not, I haven't been familiar with the "rotation technique" up until a few weeks ago, and now I try to practice both methods - as I generally like experimenting with technique.

[goobleglob]

And one more thing.... Which piece were you practicing to try to achieve such results in your outer finger trills? There are so few extended 4-5 trills in the repertoire that the only notable example I can find is in La Campanella where Liszt forces you to use 4-5 in a trill because you have to play a D# with your thumb an octave lower. This is only playable for me with rotation, because if I just used my fingers my arm would hurt from strain and tension. What's your opinion on this?

[twooffour]

It wasn't for some particular piece as much as just a technical exercise (you know, because it's cool if you "can" play trills with different fingers).

As for pieces, there were a couple spots in some piano reductions where you had to play some trill in the upper voice and another voice with the inner fingers.

Then, pieces such as Feux Follets contain similar challenges aswell (in the themes, in this case).

As for the Campanella... (cont.)

[twooffour]

... I don't find that trill particularly difficult (i.e. I *do* have problems with endurance after some time, but generally, I can play it without stress) due to the thumb on each 4th note.

As soon as I play the upper voice only, it becomes much more difficult, but these "accents" (with some help from the hand, of course) make it easier imo.

[goobleglob]

I'm sorry, but in my opinion, technique for the sake of technique is boring. I'd rather learn the technique from a particular piece in order to play that particular piece. Not that your intentions are wrong, in the least. It's good that you like to experiment. I just feel that for me, it's boring. But to each his own, and good luck.

[twooffour]

Yea, that was exactly the way I felt a year ago or so - by now, I've somehow started enjoying doing something like making up about two dozens of different fingerings for a chromatic scale and actually learning all that stuff.

It's not my *main* interest, of course, but it's fun.

[thejugglenaut91]

good luck becoming really advanced without doing technical exercises daily. I used to find them boring but they're not bad anymore at all. The way I see it, I get the greatest joy from actually playing the pieces. All the rest, however boring, is totally worth it to play pieces well

[goobleglob]

Why not play the pieces themselves then, and avoid the drudgery of something you don't enjoy?

You know, you can learn the technique required for a piece from the piece itself. Make exercises out of the unmanageable passages. It's even better, I promise.

[jbplaysmusic]

cause this will strengthen your fingers so you can do trills faster and better. If you don't play classical don't bother.

[CryptogrinD]

@goobleglob

hanon was born in 1881 dude, his method didnt exist in these times and yeah there is muscle in the human hand that control the fingers

[goobleglob]

@CryptogrinD In these times? What are you talking about?

And yes, there are muscles that move the fingers, but there are no muscles in the fingers themselves, just tendons. Actually READ what I said before you talk.

[mamabel2]

sorry that was to francis

[locotresveces]

Hey, quick question, i play chopin bach mozart and other pieces that are pretty difficult in the piano world, however i've never taken a lesson or anything... always dedicated to practice and don't even know how to read sheet music other than basic reading. question is how do i know if i hurt my arm/hand... i know i don't follow 100% the finger rules or arm rules - how bad can that be.....? thanks for the videos......

[zayats57]

Thank you for the work you have put into this! It is very helpful to me. You are appreciated.

[SuperSenpaiMKZ]

i am still confused. do you cuff your hand enough that your nails are hitting the keys or just enough so that just the meta-carpals are hitting the keys ?

[timfey]

DO U HAVE TO LIFT UR FINGER HIGH?

[love4blk]

hi Lypur, I liked and found very helpful your tutorial about Hanon. Thank you!

3francis is a superidiot!!!! he's a miserable creature unworthy of being called human.

[jannokas85]

Yes, a good balanced combination of the hand and arm technique is crucial...plus it helps to feel very relaxed :). So everyone beginning to play the piano should also join a yoga class or start meditating ;).

[Lypur]

Yoga and meditating sounds good :)

[jbichotte]

3francis you are wack man , the guy posted a 30 min video and he did a pretty good job, he gives good advice aswell. You are an idiot you must be miserable , i'll be praying for you.

[annna74]

LOL

3francis, you're a stupid fellow.

[highsierrabassplayer]

Lyper is an excellent instructor. If you like to criticise without any semblance of intelligence, honk at your mom for naming you "Francis!!!"

[SireRage]

UMMMMMM francis was my Grandma's name, roflmao..... And you must be a horrible pianist, because in the professional world of music you are introduced to many non-masuline people, and without being one with that part of yourself, how do you expect to musically perform Chopin pieces and Shostakovich pieces, that have both masc and "fem" parts. You're just an idiot, I hope you realize it everytime you "try" to play piano. stupid boy

[mamabel2]

that means you have something in common with him

[Simon0]

Are there any excercises for arm technique? I.e. Hanon teaches finger technique, any books for teaching arm technique?

[SireRage]

When I studied at NCSA this main thing was that they arm really "tunes" the chord or melody. So try playing a chord with different elbow positions and hear the difference. I was trained to not move my arms at all, untill I went to NCSA, and I realized how much of a difference it is. Eric Larson was my teacher, maybe he has some forums on arm/elbow technique.

[Simon0]

Ok my big plan was to play through this book once a day to become a great player. I'll have to watch out for tendonitus! I'm gonna discuss it with my pioano teacher. Thanks for the vid. (i wasnt aware of any danger before I saw this vid)

interesting talk in last part to do with organic and using the arm.

[Gman3thousand]

I have freakishly short 5th fingers and thumbs. It makes playing hanon a real pain sometimes. I'm such a tortured 'artist'.

[qwertyasdyaln]

So how often do you play.

[qwertyasdyaln]

Do you think that if you learn this whole thing and play it all the time you can conquer any piece? I have trouble with my 4th and 5th fingers, not lifting them up proply what can i do?

[Simon0]

(i havent watched the video yet).

I suggest just playing through the whole book once a day. Or if not, then start with the first 20 excercises once a day. Play them slowly (at first) and properly, and your difficulties should disappear, as these excercises were written specifically to strengthen EVERY finger.

[goobleglob]

you can't strengthen the fingers, they don't have muscles.

[Simon0]

i stopped using hanon anyhow. My hands started to hurt, so i stopped.

[goobleglob]

good. anyway, you can get all the technique you want by playing the music you like.

[goobleglob]

no, don't lift them. use your arm to push your finger into the keys. and hanon is useless pretty much.

[samqazplm]

it drags on like (which makes it boring) so if you could can u play the intire peace of music first prople with both hands so we can get a feel for the music

[lixoli]

good pianist...but too talkativ...bla bla bla...

[utubenicholas]

You could have said most of that in 5 mins

[arpeggio54]

Hi! Excellent lesson. Can you please tell me the name of piece you are talking about at ~29?

[utubenicholas]

Arabesque by Debussy

[bandchick4evr]

I use tht book!! =) i've learnd 1 and 7. =) i've only had 3 lessons though..he started me on level 2 the first day. =D yay! lol

[3azifpiano]

whoever wants the book i would love to send you the pdf version contact me for it thanks :)

[ThemanSimpan]

just wanna say that u r VERY good to teaching. I've learned SO mutch and ive watched all ure movies!

[Lypur]

thanks! i'm so happy to hear all that!

[hellmuth26]

Great detailed, in depth discussion and analysis in this video, and all served with an easy-going and light-hearted demeanor. I'm subscribin'!

[Lypur]

Thanks! ^_^ Glad I could help!

[cellestialX]

I had a piano teacher who loved Hanon and I used it a lot, and it was extremely beneficial.

However, it is very important to stop and rest when feeling tense while doing these exercises.

[Lypur]

I agree, they can be VERY beneficial, but also at the same time I don't think if you only study hanon, you will become a great pianist. It's a great idea and there it does work, but it can also be dangerous if misused ^_^ (which i'm sure you know)

[dexarouskies]

I've got the book, but I got lazy about it.

[Psylence6]

"you are gonna get tendonitis...probably" ahah love that. Hey, I've been checking out all your videos, and you are a piano teacher prodigy! This is definately what you were called to do! Keep up the great work, and I'll keep on watching haha

[Lypur]

Thanks so much! ^_^ that's such a wonderful comment!

You think i was called to do this hey? That really boosts my confidence ^_^ thanks!

[creolelady182]

I practice these excercises everyday Andrew, first very slow then I increase my speed.There are pros and cons of Hanon but any lesson that is available to me on line I take advantage of. Thanks for clearing up the Hanon Excercises.You answered a lot of my questions

[Lypur]

i'm glad i could clear up some questions!

take care!

[mujijibu]

cool exercises, catchy

[thomandy]

Yeeeah :D This was really what I wanted Andrew :D Thx for this vid. Now Im gone practice one right away. Perfect, to bad I only got 5stars to give you =)